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BLOG: Maroon likes matchup against his former squad

Patrick Maroon knows the Anaheim Ducks well and believes the Oilers match up well against them

by
Paul Gazzola
/ EdmontonOilers.com

It wasn't long ago that Patrick Maroon was an Anaheim Duck. The forward had a successful playoff run with Anaheim in 2014-15, piling up seven goals, four assists and 11 points in 16 games.

Now, the winger is getting ready to face his former squad in the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs as an Edmonton Oiler.

"I think we match up really well," said Maroon. "The whole veteran thing is out of the picture now. We got guys in here that have been in the League long enough.

"Obviously, it's their first time being in the playoffs but they have some young guys over there too that have the same amount of experience that we do in this locker room. We just have to find ways to keep doing what we're doing."

In the Oilers first-round clash against the San Jose Sharks, the series didn't contain a whole lot of hostility. The teams played hard and were physical but after the whistle, the extracurricular activities were kept to a minimum.

That could change due to the increased magnitude of Round 2.

"It'll just be more intense, the physical play," said Maroon. "They're a team that gets on the forecheck, they use their body, their D are strong. It's going to be big and physical. Just the extra stuff after the whistle we have to keep taking care of."

Oilers Head Coach Todd McLellan commented on Maroon squaring up against his past team.

"I think there's always a little bit of extra emotion when you play against your old team," said McLellan. "It probably ramps up a little bit in the playoffs. But he's a mature player, he's been around for a while. He's been with us for a year and a half.

"He's been through a lot of battles with that team already, I think he'll be just fine."